Best Cars to Buy This Fall

Low Demand, Great Deals, High Quality: A Perfect Mix for Car Buyers

Although it still feels like summer in most parts of the country, fall weather is almost here. The changing season can be a great time to change your set of wheels. Maybe you’re looking for something more spacious for the carpool now that school is back in session? Or something more fuel-efficient for a weekend road trip? Either way, there’s probably a vehicle in this slideshow that fits your needs without breaking the bank.

Using industry sales data, we’ve identified appealing cars, trucks, and SUVs that haven’t been selling well recently. Slow demand means you’ll have a good chance of negotiating a lower price than usual at the dealership. Sluggish demand can also incentivize manufacturers to offer budget-friendly financing deals and lease deals, which can help your bottom line.

Just because these vehicles are in a sales slump doesn’t mean they fall short in terms of quality. In fact, they all have very good scores in the U.S. News new car rankings, and a few have even earned awards this year. So if you’re looking for strong value in a great new car this Fall, this list is the perfect place to start your search.

Keep in mind that our scores are constantly updated as new expert reviews and data become available. Therefore, the U.S. News scores listed here may differ slightly from the ones listed on our rankings page.

2017 Toyota Prius

$23,475 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10 | Sales Decline in 2017: -20.5%

As the recent hurricane-induced spike in gas prices illustrates, having a hybrid may be a wise decision for your bottom line, as you’ll be insulated from the volatile fluctuations in the fuel market. The Toyota Prius is one of the most well-rounded hybrid cars, with a smooth ride, poised handling, up to 54 mpg in the city, and cavernous cargo space thanks to its hatchback body style.

Despite all that it offers, 2017 hasn’t been a good year for Prius sales; Toyota dealers have moved 20.5 percent fewer models so far this year than they did to this point in 2016. Last month was particularly bad, as sales dipped 26.4 percent relative to the same span a year ago.

With the Prius’ slumping sales, you may be able to negotiate the starting price down a bit at the dealership. This month’s Toyota deals can also help you score some savings. To find the dealer in your area who’s settling on the lowest prices, use the U.S. News & World Report Best Price Program.

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

$24,995 | U.S. News Score: 7.8/10 | Sales Decline in 2017: -17.2%

Compact SUV buyers should take a look at the Volkswagen Tiguan. It comes standard with a punchy 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a quick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. It also offers a comfortable ride and composed handling through curves. Inside, the Tiguan boasts premium materials and relatively spacious seating, but if cargo capacity is a priority, alternatives like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 would be a better fit.

Maybe that’s why buyers have been choosing alternatives this year. In 2017, Tiguan sales have fallen 17.2 percent relative to the same period in 2016. In fact, the Tiguan ranks at the very bottom of the class in terms of sales so far this year.

Use those slow sales numbers to negotiate a price below sticker at the dealership. Plus, with a redesigned 2018 Tiguan hitting the market, dealers may be willing to settle on a lower price than usual to clear out the old inventory. If you’re not in the mood for negotiation, use the U.S. News & World Report Best Price Program to find the dealership in your area with the lowest prices. This month’s Volkswagen deals can help you save even more.

2017 Jeep Cherokee

$23,695 | U.S. News Score: 7.6/10 | Sales Decline in 2017: -25.1%

Off-road enthusiasts looking for a compact SUV should put the Jeep Cherokee on their test drive list, as it’s available with a four-wheel drive system that comes with low-range gearing and different drive modes for various types of terrain. The Cherokee doesn’t sacrifice creature comforts either, as the seats are roomy and the cabin is filled with classy materials.

Despite its strong suits, Jeep dealers have sold 25.1 percent fewer models so far in 2017 compared to the same interval last year. There isn’t a turnaround in sight at this point, as last month’s sales were a whopping 50.4 percent lower than in the same span in 2016.

If you take advantage of this period of slow demand, you could score big savings at the dealership if you’re prepared to negotiate. For a streamlined buying experience, use the U.S. News & World Report Best Price Program to find the dealer in your area with the lowest prices. Also, check out this month’s Jeep deals for all the best finance and lease offers.

2017 Mazda6

$21,945 | U.S. News Score: 8.5/10 | Sales Decline in 2017: -22%

If you’re more concerned about on-road fun than off-road adventure, consider the Mazda6. Its agile handling and sharp steering will add some verve to your commute. Inside, you’ll be greeted by soft-touch materials, accommodating seats in both rows, and an easy-to-use infotainment system.

Even with those positive qualities, 2017 hasn’t been a good sales year for the Mazda6, as Mazda dealers have sold 22 percent fewer models than they did over the same span in 2016. In fact, in the midsize car segment, only the Buick Regal and discontinued Chrysler 200 have sold fewer models than the Mazda6 this year.

Before you sign the papers, use the Mazda6’s slow sales to negotiate the price down below sticker. If you’d rather not negotiate, use the U.S. News & World Report Best Price Program to find the dealer in your area with the lowest prices. This month’s Mazda deals could also help your bottom line.

2017 Buick Enclave

$39,065 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10 | Sales Decline in 2017: -25.3%

If you need three rows of seats and lots of cargo space, the Buick Enclave is a prudent choice. However, so far in 2017, Buick dealers have sold 25.3 percent fewer Enclave models than they did over the same period a year ago. And with a redesigned 2018 model on the horizon, demand should continue to fall for the 2017 Enclave.

Although sales are slumping, the Enclave is one of the roomiest options in the class, and its posh cabin materials won’t disappoint. On the road, the Enclave rides comfortably and has plenty of power, though it’s more of a chore to drive in cramped parking lots or narrow city streets than smaller alternatives in the class.

To pick up steam in the sales race, as well as clear out space for the upcoming redesigned model, Buick salespeople may be willing to come down a bit from the sticker price this month. If you’re prepared to negotiate at the dealership, you could walk away with big savings. To locate the dealer near you with the lowest prices, use our Best Price Program. This month’s Buick deals could help you out even more.

2017 Lexus ES

$38,900 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10 | Sales Decline in 2017: -11.2%

Luxury car buyers looking for comfort and practicality should have the Lexus ES on their test drive list. It boasts plenty of admirable qualities, including a serene ride, spacious seating in both rows, and top-notch safety and reliability ratings. In fact, we named it the Best Luxury Midsize Car for the Money for its combination of quality and value.

Although the ES is still one of the top-selling vehicles in the class, it has experienced a contraction in sales this year; Lexus dealers have sold 11.2 percent fewer ES models in 2017 than they did over the same interval last year. In addition, the ES’ starting price is about 14 percent below average for the segment, so it’s a smart buy regardless of recent market trends.

If you’re set on the ES, see if you can negotiate its already low starting price down a bit in light of declining sales numbers. If you’re not a great negotiator, the U.S. News & World Report Best Price Program can help you find the dealer in your area who’s offering the lowest prices. This month’s Lexus deals can help you save even more.

Despite those strong suits, sales have fallen 33.8 percent so far in 2017. Pricier sales leaders like the Mercedes Benz E-Class have outsold the CTS this year by a ratio of 4 to 1.

Slow demand means now is a good time to save on the CTS. Don’t just go to any dealership though. Use the U.S. News & World Report Best Price Program to find the one in your area with the lowest prices. For the best finance and lease offers, check out this month’s Cadillac deals.

2017 Buick LaCrosse

$32,065 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10 | Sales Decline in 2017: -18.9%

If space is your main priority, a large car like the Buick LaCrosse is worth a test drive. The redesigned 2017 model offers a roomy and upscale cabin, a smooth and hushed ride, composed handling, and strong gas mileage for the class.

Often a redesigned model will kick-start sales, but that hasn’t been the case so far for the LaCrosse. Last month, sales were 25 percent lower than they were over the same interval in 2016, and through the first eight months of 2017, sales have dipped 18.9 percent relative to last year.

Given recent market trends, don’t settle on the sticker price. Slow demand means that you have a good chance to negotiate the price down a bit. If you’re not keen on negotiating, use the U.S. News & World Report Best Price Program to find the dealer in your area with the lowest price. This month’s Buick deals can help you find more savings.

2017 GMC Canyon

$20,885 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10 | Sales Decline in 2017: -16.1%

Utility-minded buyers should take a look at the pickup truck segment, where the GMC Canyon is one of the best values right now. It offers a punchy powertrain, formidable towing capability for a compact pickup, and a handsome and high-tech cabin.

Overall, demand for pickups has been strong this year, but that hasn’t been the case for the Canyon. GMC dealers have sold 16.1 percent fewer models than they did over the same period in 2016. In fact, the Canyon ranks dead last in the segment for sales so far in 2017. Last month, Canyon sales were almost 20 percent below where they were over the same period a year ago.

With the Canyon’s slumping sales, you may be able to negotiate the starting price down a bit at the dealership. To find the dealer in your area who’s settling on the lowest prices, use the U.S. News & World Report Best Price Program. For the best finance and lease offers this month, take a look at the GMC deals page.

More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report

To see how these cars stack up to the competition, check out our new car rankings. You can also compare these models head to head by using our comparison tool. Once you’re ready to buy, be sure to use our Best Price Program to find the dealers with the best prices in your area. Shoppers who use our Best Price Program have saved an average of $3,279 off MSRP.